Monday, June 27, 2011

So, you may remember from a while ago where I was trying to make a peyote ring with a secret? Yeah, it sucked.

So, here is the next iteration of this idea. I think it has turned out much better, but still not quite where I want it. I am using a simple bead toggle closure this time. It integrates into the design better, but has a tendancy to pop open as you are wearing it. Not cool.

I am also not entirely happy with the second layer look. I am thinking maybe I need more embellishment to hide the fact that there is a second layer.

I will continue working with this, expect to see it again in the future.

Quote: If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside.
Robert X. Cringely, InfoWorld magazine

Thursday, June 23, 2011

When I first got into seed beads, I made a giant mistake. I purchased Toho Aiko seed beads. I had done some research, I knew that Aikos were the most perfect beads ever made. That each bead was exactly the same size as all the others, and that there was no need to cull. Let me repeat that. NO NEED TO CULL. Seriously, in 3 years of using them, I have only thrown out 1 single bead for being wonky.

So, since I have total OCD about some things (my seed beads among them), I bought some. Just a few colors to really get me started in bead weaving (prior to this I had been using some really cheap seed beads that had been given to me). And they were as wonderful as I had thought. For the first time, I didn't hate peyote stitch. In fact, I fell in love with it! They all fit together just like I wanted, no wonky rows due to a bead that was too tall or too short (or too wide or too skinny). My beading life was bliss. I was broke, though.

You pay for that perfection. The best source I had found for my Aikos (BelloModo) had them priced roughly 3 times more than Delicas. They also had a very limited palette available compared to Delicas.

So, I tried Delicas and I found them to be.... not bad. Though not as OCD perfect as the Aikos, there were much better than the cheapos I had started with. I could buy a whole lot more for the same price, and I could get more colors. I managed to snag a deal on Ebay and picked up a kit of 36 colors (5g each) for about $75. I was content with them. But I was still buying Aikos on the side. Just a few, here and there. No new colors, just replacing colors I already had. Really, I had it under control.

It was that OCD part of me that just loved the perfection of the Aikos. The knowledge that each one was just as perfect as the next. That a ring would turn out with a perfectly flat edge, no short bead dip. A dip that NO COULD SEE BUT ME!

So, we come to that time again. I see that I am running low on my red Aikos. This time, though, I have determined that I shall make the break. I shall not replace them. I am happy with the Delicas. I can afford the Delicas. I will not buy more Aikos. Say it with me. I WILL NOT BUY MORE AIKOS!

I feel mostly good about this decision, but not completely. A part of me will miss knowing I have those few stashed away waiting for that special project that really deserves the perfection. *sigh*

Quote: Acceptance is such an important commodity, some have called it "the first law of personal growth."
Peter McWilliams, Life 101

Friday, June 17, 2011

In honor of the Green Lantern premiere this weekend, I am reposting my pattern for a Green Lantern power ring.

The ring is quick enough to work up, that you can whip one up before you head to a mantinee tomorrow!

I also want to share two patterns for Legionnaire flight rings. The DC Legion is a group of teenage superheros from the 30th century. The only requirement to be a member is that you have a unique power that no present member possesses. They have such memorable heroes as Bouncing Boy (much cooler than you think), Shrinking Violet, Matter-Eater Lad, and Arm Fall Off Boy! Actually, Arm Fall Off Boy may have been in the substitute Legion.... If you are interested in learning more about these heroes, my friend Matthew has written some great histories of all the members over at Major Spoilers. Links to individual heroes are at the bottom.

As before, please remember that we do not own Green Lantern or the Legion. Feel free to make the rings for personal use, but no selling!

And finally, because I was in a square stitch mood, a medic alert pendant. This is an original pattern I have created. Please feel free to make it for yourself or a friend or to donate to a worthy cause. However, please do not sell it. Thank you.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Lori, over at the Pretty Things blog, was a lucky devil who got to go to the Bead & Button show. Now she is showing off her loot by giving away some absolutely gorgeous beads! Head on over and enter to win!

Quote: I want money, lots and lots of money, I want the pie in the sky. I wanna be rich! - Calloway

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

If you are having issues posting comments to Blogger blogs, I found this information in the Blogger forums:

1. If a blog's comment form takes you to the log in page, UNCHECK THE BOX THAT SAYS "REMEMBER ME" and log in. It will take you back to complete your comment.

2. If you have the embedded below the post comment form, CHANGE TEMPORARILY to either the pop-up form or the whole page form. When the underlying problem has been resolved, youw ill be able to change back.

So I was messing with some beads last night and made a new ring. It is a US flag done in peyote stitch. I then put two simple strung seedbead bands on it. The bands are joined together through the middle.
The second photo is a little blurry, but you get the idea. I am finding it very easy to wear, with the flag portion sitting nicely across the top of my finger. This type of band, gives a more 'traditional' ring feel than the full peyote rings I have done in the past. I think I will make up a few more and put them in my Etsy shop for Independence Day.

Quote: We stole countries! That's how you build an empire. We stole countries with the cunning use of flags! Sail halfway around the world, stick a flag in. "I claim India for Britain." And they're going, "You can't claim us. We live here! There's five hundred million of us." "Do you have a flag?" "We don't need a flag, this is our country you bastard!"
- Eddie Izzard